Frame construction for fireproof walls or partitions



May E15, 1923. 1,455,711

c. COLLINS FRAME CONSTRUCTION FOR FIREPROOF WALLS OR PARTITIONS Filed NOV. 24 1920 E IN VENTOR A TTOR NE Y Patented May 15, 1923.

STATES FRAME CONSTRUCTION FOR FIREPROOF WALLS OR PARTITIONS.

Application filed November 24, 1920. Serial No. 426,189.

I which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a frame construction for fireproof walls or partitions; and has for its object to simplify and improve the manufacture, assembly and durability of the same.

In carrying out this object, I employ, preferably, studding or supporting elements in the form of a series of pairs of channel bars, each pair being held in spaced relation by means of a novel and improved clip or spacer and each channel bar having on the edge of its outer flange, at suitable intervals, an integral prong, with its side faces n a plane parallel with the channel bar and adapted to be bent to form a fastener for metal lath or other plaster-receiving material, said channel bars and integral prongs being formed in pairs from a single sheet of metal, in which the material for the prongs forms the central portion and said prongs, when out, lie adjacent to each other and are overlapped.

One form which my invention may assume I is exemplified in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. shows a perspective view of a single sheet of metal illustrating the manner of cut- 7 ting the channel bars and prongs.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of one of the channel bars with its integral prongs.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the spacer or clip for each pair of channel bars in flat form. I

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view, of the same after having been shaped.

Fig. 5 'showsa fragmentary side eleva tion of the assembled construction.

Fig. 6 shows a sectional view, in plan, of the same.

Fig. 8 shows a plan section of a hollow wall construction embodying. my-invention.

Fig. '9 shows a channel bar embodying my invention bent into form for corner or bracket work, such as 18 carried on iii-ceilin g construction.

Fig. 10 shows a fragmentary, perspective view of a modified form of double channel bar with integral prongs.

Fig. 11 shows an embodimen t of the invention in an angle bar studding.

As will be seen from the drawings, the

wall or partition of the present invention may be solid or hollow. Preferably it is hollow and comprises a series of pairs of channel bars 10, forming studding or supporting elements, and held in spaced relation by means of a clip or fastener 11. On the edge of the outer flange of each channel bar is an integral prong or projection 12 constituting a fastener for metal lath 13 or other suitable plaster-receiving devices, such as plaster boar s 14. Preferably, I form the channel bars and prongs in pairs from a single sheet of metal A, as shown in Fig. 1, in which the central portion B forms the material for the prongs of both bars, said prongs being adjacent to each other and overlapped. When the bar is shaped into channel form, the projections or prongs extend from the edge of one of the side flanges and have their side faces in a plane parallel with the longitudinal faces of the channel bar. The prong may, therefore, be bent at right angles to the bar in any direction. The heel of the prong is made'wider, by rounding it at 12*, so that it bends on a line 12 some distance from the edge of the bar, and hence is not so liable to break off.

The clip or spacer for each pair of channel bars,,as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, is

across the open faces of said channel bars.

An extension J is formed on each end of the clip and these are adaptedto be bent into loop formation to engage the outer sideso'f each of the channel bars for looking the clip in'place.

The problem of providing an integral fastener or prong upon a supporting or studding bar for the purpose of retaining plaster-receiving material in place isnot a simple matter. The prong is required to be of such length as to preclude the possibility of cutting it transversely from the side flange of the channel, it being understood that channel bars for this purpose are comparatively shallow. Neither can the prongs be cut from the side flanges of the channel in a longitudinal direction without danger of destroying the strength of the channel bar, and, as will presentl. be seen, a prong so cut would have its side faces extending at right angles to the longitudinal faces of the channel bar, which is objectionable from many standpoints. A punched prong is moreover susceptible to easy breakage on account of the necessity for kinking the prong at the heel'in the process of manufacture which results in the burning and consequent weakening.

The present prong normally extends at right angles to the channel bar and may be bent around to any position, fore, aft, or lateral. Therefore the studding equipped with thistype of prong is adapted to receive the metal lath or other plaster-receiving devices on either the front or rear side face as well as on the edge or flange side. Moreover, the channel bars of this construction may be bent angularly into bracket form, as shown in Fig. 9, for ceiling construction and the prongs will in no way interfere with this bending and will be in position to serve as fasteners for the underlying plaster-receiving devices.

reason of the fact that I cut the chan B nel bars and prongs in pairs from a single sheet of metal in the manner shown, the increased cost of this construction over ordinary channel bars is comparatively slight. The material taken out between the channel bars and prongs may be used for forming the clips 11.

Where, as shown in Fig. 8, I employ plaster board 14 or similar sectional members for receiving the plaster, it is necessary to provide a support for. the backs thereof,

.- inasmuch as the web portion of the studding lies between the adjacent edges of the sec'- tions. This support is shown as comprising cross rods or bars 15 extending through the cross webs of the channel bar studding intermediate the longitudinal edges thereof. The prongs -12 will serve as fasteners for the front faces of the plaster boards, the adjacent prongs on each flange being, bent in opposite'direction's for the purpose of clipping both sections of a joint in place. "I show wire mesh 16 on the outerface of theplaster board, This is sometimes used to afford a better bend for the overlying plaster coat-17.

As shown in Fig. 10 a double channel bar studding element may be formed in one piece. This comprises a channel 18 at each side and an integral connecting web 19. Prongsf20 similar to those in Fig. 2, are formed integrally with the outer flange of each channel. To save material two or more-studding elements may be cut from a single strip'of material with the prongs of adjacentstudding elements offset and overlapped after the manner of Fig. 1. A "similar plan may also be employed-t0 produce an angle'bar stud 21, as shown in Fig. '11, with integral prongs 22 formed on one of the flanges.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is i Y 1. A frame construction for walls or partitions, comprising a series of channel bar supporting elements, each having on the outer edge of one of its flanges a'series of integralprongs adapted to be bent in any direction at right angles to the longitudinal axis of'the bar to form fasteners for plasterreceiving members, each prong comprising a the said longitudinal axis, and to resist bending'movement in a plane parallel thereto.

3. A metallic studding element, angular in cross section formed on one of its flanges with a series of outwardly projecting flat integral prongs, said prongs bein disposed with their side facesparalle'l wit the longitudinai axis of the studding element, and.

each being rounded out at its heel to resist bending action on a line where it joins the edge'of the flange.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

. CORNELIUS COLLINS.

' I Witneses: W. W. HEALEY, j

M. E. EWING. 

